Short Summary

Campaigning for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections to be staged in the 24 Districts of Congo Kinshasa on October 31 and November 1 have begun in what has been described as a "festive atmosphere".

Description

Campaigning for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections to be staged in the 24 Districts of Congo Kinshasa on October 31 and November 1 have begun in what has been described as a "festive atmosphere".

On Sunday, October 10 - the day on which campaigning officially commenced, main roads to the Stadium of November 24 were crowded with excited prospective voters and supporters of the national revolutionary movement. The Stadium was to be the scene of a large-scale pre-election meeting.

The enthusiasm of the people of the nation was self evident at the prospect of electing leaders for a new term of office, and, of course of putting into office a President.

At the first meeting Governor Manzikala of the Katanga Province addressed the large gathering together with many leading figures from the capital city.

Governor Manzikala reminded the meeting of the importance of voting - what it would mean to them personally and, perhaps, even more important, what it would mean for the country. He implored that not a vote should be wasted.

Kipushu Governor Engulu also stressed the vital importance of voting. Governor Manzikala had passionately stressed that those with a vote should vote "Green", the colour of the nation. Governor Engulu made the same request. Green is the colour of the People's Revolutionary Movement, the country's single party.

Governor Engulu reminded his audience that to vote "Green" was to vote for a continuing stability and prosperity and for a new life in the future.

One leader, one party - that, said the Governor, was the way to a bright future, and the way in which Congo Kinshasa had reached its present state of achievement.

On Friday, October 16, President Joseph Mobutu filed his nomination papers for Congo Kinshasa's Presidential Election. Last May he was designated as the only candidate for the Presidency.